A divorce coach is not a therapist and not an attorney. Coaching is practical and forward-looking: it helps you organize decisions, prepare for conversations, and stay grounded through a process that can otherwise feel chaotic.
What coaches typically help with
- Organizing paperwork and questions before meetings with your attorney, so you use that time (and money) efficiently.
- Preparing for difficult conversations with a spouse, co-parent, or family members.
- Working through decisions about logistics: housing, finances, telling children, managing a shared calendar.
- Building a routine and support system for the weeks and months ahead.
What coaching is not
A coach won't diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or trauma, that's the role of a therapist or counselor. A coach also won't give legal advice or represent you in court, that's the role of an attorney. Many people use a combination of all three at different points.
How to evaluate a coach
Look for someone with specific training in divorce or infidelity-related coaching, and ask directly about their background, their process, and what a typical engagement looks like. A good first conversation should leave you with a clear sense of how they work and whether it fits your situation.
If you're also managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma, a coach is a helpful complement to, not a replacement for, licensed mental health care.